This place was a highlight on our 3 week trip around Costa Rica because the owner was so friendly and kind! Renzo, the owner, was a wealth of knowledge and helpful hints to make our stay in not only Monteverde enjoyable, but also the rest of Costa Rica! He provided us with maps of the area and explained all the... more

Here is what I liked about it: *very clean with great showers, nice firm beds and a wonderful view *small giving it more of a bed & breakfast feel then hotel *reasonable price *nice location - away from main street Santa Elena but close enough for a short affordable taxi ride with several good restuarants in closer walking distance *great... more

Let me begin by saying that Grace and Renzo make this hotel seem like home! The rooms are quaint, comfortable and frankly some of the better accommodations I have experienced in Monteverde. If you want "western" style accommodations then fork out the couple hundred bucks for one of the nicer hotels. My partner and I tested out the hot water... more

El Viandante was a great place for travelers like us who were looking for an affordable, clean lodging in Santa Elena, with a well functioning bathroom and plenty of hot water, and a full breakfast included. Grace and Renzo have recently completed renovation of their hotel (all new rooms, bathroom and showers (no electric showers) with new tile flooring throughout)... more

I was given a good room, very clean and quiet with private bathroom. The room was small, but well maintained and I felt at home there and enjoyed eight nights of better than average sleep. The breakfast is good, very substantial, featuring fresh fruit, juice, coffee, cereal, eggs and toast. The view from the dining room is spectacular. The internet... more

First, I have to be fair and say that the owner is incredibly nice and very helpful. I almost feel bad giving a bad review but I have to be honest. I expected this to be a low-end budget hotel and I was fully prepared for that. However, this hotel is basically and overpriced hostel. If you are ok with... more

We stayed at the Hotel El Viandante for two nights and for what it is (a budget hotel in Costa Rica) it was quite nice. Friendly hosts (who cooked a mean breakfast) and clean and comfortable lodging. Again, this isn't the Ritz and you're paying a fair rate - so the complaints I read about before staying here (which scared... more

A fairly basic looking hotel about 10 mins uphill walk out of Monteverde town. What makes this hotel special is the owners, Renzo and Grace, who are so friendly and always available to advise on local attractions, tours (esp.cycling tours), etc. Renzo also makes excellent breakfasts! There's a small breakfast room, lounge room and internet area in the main hotel... more

Unfortunately, we didn't get the opportunity to stay at the El Viandante. Upon our check in we were informed that we'd been moved to another hotel. We were told that there were school groups at the hotel during our stay and we probably won't enjoy our stay. I appreciate them doing this, but this could have been explained to me... more